Although they passed, Erik and Mina had the least number of points earned as a hero team. The same was said about Creed and Koda for they were the lowest scoring villain team. But much like their fellow SHIELD youths, the German and Canadian didn't much care for their teacher's approval. They took his light scolding in stride. When the period was reaching its end, the four reincarnates remained at the back of the class and stood silent as All-Might finished his little end of class speech. Once he finished, he sped quickly out of their sight as he left a dust trail. Everyone was then at awe and praising his powerful speed. The four foreign boys behind them weren't so impressed.
"Show-off.", they said internally. The four then left the group of students without bothering to answer their questions of where they were going. They knew exactly where they should be. And thanks to an annoying explosive pest, they will remain there for a while. The most concerned of all the four was Creed. He swore internally that if Izuku was going to be permanently damaged in the future and if it had been because of that damn Bakugou, then he'll tear that jackass apart.
… Meanwhile in Iceland …
In his mind, Ormur could say that he had better days. He had saved people lost in the wilderness in some of them. He had rescued pets that went missing for days. He helped in construction efforts and roadwork for the two towns of the valleys. But if he were to be honest, he'd prefer those days over the current day he was having.
Super-quirked artificial agents from a cult invaded his country, trashing the place around, endangering the people, and hunting him down specifically. For what, Ormur didn't know. All that he got from Trickshot during their chase was that their adversaries were after some sort of relic. A relic heavily related to him apparently. Some hammer buried deep in Iceland's earth that had caused the multiple snowstorms during his childhood.
In Trickshot's own words, "our only advantage is that these dicks don't know shit about the hammer. It has to be you kid. Just make sure not to take too long down there. I'm not sure how many more of my trick arrows will slow them down, so move your ass now."
"Yeah, thanks for the stress.", said Ormur in frustration as he quickened his descent in the frozen cave. From the look of the cold cavern, the archer surely must have done his excavation while he was in Iceland. The strong teen had nearly gotten lost if it wasn't for the elaborate nordic symbol on certain tunnels leading him to the right path. After twenty minutes of cold spelunking, he reached the end of the tunnel to find eerily lit space. In the middle, an object laid on a rocky surface. The indentations on the ground around it said that efforts to remove it were unsuccessful.
Ormur got closer to the object and what it was shocked him. He knew it was some kind of hammer, but there was no way it could have been "that" hammer. The grip. The leather strap connected to the pummel. The silver rectangular shape of the head. It was just too identical to the hammer the old man would tell him stories about. The legendary Mjolnir. The weapon wielded by the Norse God of Thunder, Thor.
Ormur wasn't the best student in some aspects of education, but history was something he excelled at. Specifically, folklore history. The original owner of the orphanage would tell him many tales of the Nordic world. It came to the point where he would dream of such adventures when he was little. But now, it wasn't a dream. The proof was right here. Mythology was real. Just why? Why was he involved in all this?
Ormur wished he could have more time to understand all that was happening right now, but suddenly the cavern shook and explosions could be heard as they echoed from the entrance. He had no time now. If Trickshot truly thinks that he's the only one to pull Mjolnir from the ground, then there's only one way to find out. He hesitates for a bit as he draws his hands closer to the hammer. He could feel a warm presence envelope within him as his palms were a mere centimeter away from gripping the handle.
And then, Ormur gripped it.
It all came back to him. Who he truly was. Who he always was. And thus, thunder roared.
Unfortunately, Trickshot was having a much more painful experience. Back on the surface, the archer of the Thunderbolts was flung like a ragged doll through the snow. His quiver's 3-D printing modules were all depleted and his convertible bow was broken apart due to it being used to take the brunt of a lethal attack. All he had left to fight back with was his Adamantium sword. Despite his overwhelming struggle, he had managed to deal some damage to his opponents. However, the two Sons agents did what they were genetically programmed to. They adapt.
One has lost the parts of his suit that his right arm, pelvis area, and legs. Those parts are now covered by an infused clown getup that emitted by the quirk in his body. Three had become much more bizarre. The only part of the suit that was maintained was the full head covering mask. Beneath the head, Three's body was now a construct of wriggling technicolor paint tendrils.
"You Sons make them weirder each time. Whatever. You haven't killed me yet. So bring it.", said Trickshot, filled with tiredness. He then got into his sword stance.
Three was the first to attack with a flurry of paint tendrils darting towards the archer. With his remaining focus, Trickshot sliced off several of the liquid limbs in fluid motion. Fatigue was starting to get him and he held through long enough until the very last tendrils punched his torso with great force. Had it not been for the material that made up his attire, the attack would have punched into his chest and crushed his heart. Unfortunately, the force was strong enough to send him to the ground and gave him two broken ribs that luckily haven't punctured a lung.
As he laid on the ground, Trickshot could hear new paint tendrils being formed in the distance. He signed at the fact that he was now once again stuck in a "about to die" situation. He picked his head up a bit to see Three getting closer. As the Sons agent was about to be four meters from the archer's position, that's when the clouds got darker. And upon hearing the sound of thunder, the reincarnated Barney Barton smiled.
"About damn time kid. Let's hope you're a Thor.", said a grateful Trickshot as he succumbed to unconsciousness.
One and Three looked at the clouds and their genetic programming tried to rationalize the sudden weather shift. It was supposed to be a constant snowstorm, instead it was becoming a thunderstorm. The ground then shook with tremendous force and something in mock speed burst from the cave far from them. The unidentified object flew high in the air and immediately shot toward Three. The last thing he saw until it impacted his head was a Nordic hammer.
One saw the object turn his partner into a crater and what followed was the most powerful lightning strike ever to be seen in Iceland. He felt his programming surged as a biological sensor alerted him that the very same lighting strike had just disintegrated Three into ashes.
One stood there for a minute and then saw an individual coming out of the crater. The vapors had vanished and revealed it to be Ormur in a very Viking-like attire. His hands and wrists are covered in black cloth wrappings with a piece of armor on top. His legs wear brown boots with fur collars and black trousers. His upper body wears a sleeveless sky-blue tunic and a black leather belt with two gold buckles around his waist. Finally, his head adorns a silver winged helmet.
One stood there and only noticed two major things with the Icelandic teen's transformation. The same hammer that destroyed Three was in the teen's right hand and glowing electrifying eyes seering from the opening of the helmet.
One tried to intimidate his opponent by summoning the same circus style mallet, but twice as big as before. Unfortunately for him, the Asgardian in front of him didn't give a damn.
Pointing Mjolnir at One, the once cautious Ormur now spoke in a booming nordic voice.
"Hear me villain, thy transgressions on this peaceful land have gone long enough. Endangering the mortals. Nearly killing the brave archer. And believing that you and your dead friend could be worthy enough to bring mighty Mjolnir back to your so-called masters. Well, I say naye. Prepare yourself, for you face this son of Asgard.", declared the proud thunderer.
Accepting the challenge, One summoned a second mallet and several circus style cannons popped out of the snow with their aim pointing at the Asgardian. Pointing both mallets at the Asgardian, all the cannons fired with a barrage of devastating explosions. This went on for a couple of seconds until the cannons stopped by One's mental commands. It took a while for the smoke to fade away. Once it did, it revealed Ormur was still standing and unharmed. Not even his attire was ruined. The young Asgardian looked unimpressed and gave Mjolnir a test twirl. Gripping the handle firmly, he nodded to himself and slid his fingers to the leather strap. The hammer then spun in immense speed as the Asgardian got into a stance.
"My turn.", said Ormur who shot through the gap between him and his opponent once Mjolnir stopped spinning.
One raised both of his mallets and was about to strike down the Asgardian. It was a futile attempt for he wasn't fast enough as the hammer wielding teen impacted him like a speeding car going at sonic speed. The Sons agent was then grabbed by the neck and was thrown into the air momentarily just for Mjolnir to strike him upwards further to the sky. As he was now in the clouds, his hearing was blocked by thunder and his sight blinded by lightning. He still had touch and what he felt next was the impact of a blunt object. The hit shattered his ribs. Not long after, a similar hit arrived to mangle his legs. Then another hit bludgeoned his skull. The brutality ended with a strike of lightning
As he fell from the clouds, One was no longer functioning fully. His genetic programming has been fried to hell. His self-repair augmentation could no longer keep up anymore. He couldn't feel his leg getting grabbed by the ankle. The victorious Asgardian then spun the beaten Sons agent as if it was Mjolnir too and promptly threw him so hard that the body left Iceland.
Wherever his broken opponent was now, Ormur didn't care. He descended back to the earth and walked to the downed Trickshot. He tied Mjolnir to his belt and slowly lifted up the archer's head. He stared at the man that brought him back Mjolnir and the memories that came with it. His grandfather's proud face. His mother's warm hug. The antics of his three brothers. And finally, his father's cold scowl. He then looked at his right hand as the phantom pains of the intense training from long ago returned. Even if he was just a child, he was tasked to master Mjolnir and be adept in his lightning enchantments. Through his father's disciplinary methods and his mother's encouraging tales, he was destined to fight many great threats to the nine realms. The frost giants that might one day invade. The world serpent that would one day be awoken. And the dread dragon of darkness that would one day lay waste to Midgard.
Gripping his hand closed, he sighed. The last thing he could remember before his time in Midgard was his grandfather walking with him through a frozen forest. And after, a doorway that leads to that orphanage. The same orphanage where he was never alone. Whenever he was with father, he felt alone. But at the orphanage, there was always someone waiting for him. Donard and Kristine. The kids that he had grown up with and the kids that saw him as the big brother. This is just too much now, and he was tired. Looking back at the mortal that he fought alongside with, so was he.
"Fear not, brave mortal. I shall take you back to the orphanage. There you will truly enjoy your well-deserved rest.", said Ormur as he and the archer flew away.
… Meanwhile at Yuuei …
"Well Eddie, what's the verdict? Is your symbiote healing working for Green Bean here?", asked Creed who sat next to a sleeping Izuku.
"Good news, I repaired his broken arm and patched up the burns. Bad news, I can't really do much for his quirk.", said Eddie, whose symbiote tendrils lingered within Izuku's body.
"So you're telling us that the best you can do for him is be a medkit. I was hoping for an upgrade in his power, so that the four of us don't have to be his damn bodyguards.", said Erik, irritated.
"Hey, I'm just as pissed as you are. I would have thought that I could have done more, but this is the best I could do. At least for now.", said Eddie defensively.
"Nevertheless, the biomatrix is detecting a compatibility between the Klyntar genetics and the quirk gene. Due to Eddie being a Klyntar human hybrid, he can't really bond with someone like the symbiotes from our original lifetimes.", explained Doom performing a bioscan.
Eddie Brock remembered the time when he tried to fuse with Victor Creed. Doing so had different results. The Canadian could smell gasoline and swamp water from his breath. He felt heavier despite a lack of change in body shape. The American tried to form into a full bodysuit, but he could only form into a black covering on certain parts of the Canadian. He could either possess one of the limbs or the whole skeleton from the inside. It seems being a hybrid took away some of the original functions of the symbiote.
"He can't fuse with anybody and yet there's a compatibility with quirks. How come he can't augment the quirk gene to more favorable conditions?", asked Erik, still not liking the results.
Doom cupped his chin and thought of every biological reasoning he could think of for why there exists an indecisive compatibility. Was it due to body type or just differences in DNA strands? Broadening the horizons of his medical and science expertise, he concluded that it has to be a function through a more bizarre version of synergy.
Before he could give a response, Doom and his squad heard voices from outside the nurse's office they were in. entering the room, All-Might in his skinny form and Recovery Girl walked in to be surprised by the sight of the four SHIELD youths surrounding the sleeping Izuku. There was a bit of a pause between the two sides, but luckily Recovery Girl stepped up to settle the awkwardness.
"Alright, enough brooding all of you. We have a patient among us and the last thing he needs is to wake up to a potential argument.", said the elderly hero as she went to her computer to sign up Midoriya for the check in. All the men in the room relaxed and took their seats.
"Now then, if I understand this right. You there, the tall one. It said on your file that you can give medical support with your quirk, is that correct?", quoried Recovery Girl to the New Yorker.
"Yes, nurse. I already healed Izuku, but I only used up only a minimum of my own adrenaline and my nutrients to repair the broken arm and the burns. The physical trauma will have to stay though.", said Eddie.
"Why? The file said that you can heal injured people immediately and even wake them from reaching a coma. Why not wake him fully after repairing him?", asked the elderly nurse.
"You wanna answer that one Doom?", said Eddie who redirected the question to his squad leader. The Latverian sighed and turned to Recovery Girl.
"The physical trauma being left in Izuku's arms is key to maintaining muscle memory for the body to adjust better to his quirk. If Eddie Brock were to heal Midoriya entirely, then all progress to advancing One for All would have been erased. I've spent the last year studying this quirk to understand this basic fact. Am I correct, All-Might?", explained Doom who then directed the conversation to the number one hero.
"You really are the smartest youth SHIELD has to offer. You are right to make that analysis. Though it was supposed to be an exercise, the battle with Bakugou has truly tested young Midoriya's endurance and quick thinking. The progression of this power is indeed painful and, unfortunately, each ache makes it go further in its strength.", confirmed All-Might.
"But is that really a good thing? This is only the second day and he is already a regular in this office. Why didn't you stop them, All-Might!?", berated Recovery Girl.
The four reincarnates sat there for the last five minutes watching a small old lady scolding a skinny adult who is supposed to be the symbol of peace. On the outside, they kept their stoic expressions. On the inside, they were chuckling like they're watching a funny cartoon. It finally got back to being serious when All-Might pleaded for the nurse to lower her volume when speaking about One for All. The four SHIELD youths smirked internally upon hearing that they are among the few that knew the full scale of how the powerful quirk truly functioned.
The good moods finally ceased when All-Might foretold what might come for society if there wasn't someone to bear the weight upon their shoulders. "Without such a symbol, the society of superhumans would fall to evil.", proclaimed All-Might. The former villains themselves could see such a reality being possible. For all they know, they lived through such realities already. Despite being a big flashy hero ranked first on the top ten list, there was no doubt that Toshinori Yagi is the truest form of a hero on this earth.
In a way, the four boys had a little bit of pride swell up inside them at the memories of the heroes they used to call enemies. The Fantastic Four. The X-men. Spider-Man. This man, All-Might, truly showed heroic characteristics that can be found in their former arch enemies. This fact alone proves the gap between the number one hero and the rest of the pathetic lot that exists. The discussion ended with Recovery Girl telling All-Might to become a better mentor for his successor's sake. Though they didn't say verbally, Doom and Creed heavily agreed with the notion given by the old nurse.
Recovery Girl assured the pro-hero and the four SHIELD youths that she will keep Midoriya under her care until he wakes up. She also reminds them that they each have something scheduled for them. All-Might changed to his baggy yellow suit and left to submit the grades from the battle trials. The four foreign boys changed back into their Yuuei uniforms. They walked through the empty halls and spoke to one another on their fights with their fellow highschool peers.
"I seriously can't believe peppermint emo jackass didn't use his fire on me.", said Eddie, irritated.
"You're still bitching about that. You won, just be happy about it.", said a bored Creed.
"It was his own fault for not giving his all. If this Todoroki wishes to become a liability for the hero community, then so be it. His issues are none of our concern.", said Erik.
"Agreed. Don't let me get to you Eddie. We must focus on our true objective. Keep our cover maintained to avoid suspension and secure the target safely from any probable threats. Midoriya and his inherited quirk must never be revealed to the public. Such power could lure adversaries of any scale.", said Doom.
"I know, but it still gets me. He had a way to win, but rejected his own power. I hate it when somebody is being a half-ass.", said Eddie.
"To hell with him then. Give yourself some credit bud. Everyone in the monitor room was in shock and awe at the ass kicking you gave him. I wouldn't be surprised if any of them are jealous of us.", said a smug Creed.
"I'd say they were more nervous than jealous. All except that frog girl though. When that match ended, she came up to us and asked about you, Eddie.", said Erik to the New Yorker.
Hearing that Tsuyu had asked about him, Eddie perked up a bit and immediately forgot about Shouto.
"Wait, she really asked about me. What did she say? What wanted to know?", asked the American, a bit more excited than usual.
The Latverian, German, and Canadian looked at him with slight confusion. Eddie's quirk Emotional Sonar quickly told him that were put off by his sudden curiosity toward the frog girl. He then calmed himself down and thought of an excuse.
"I'm just curious. It's like Creed said, we could be a challenge to everybody in this school. It could help our cover if maybe we could cool it with the whole intimidation feel.", said Eddie in an attempt to save the image.
Luckily for him, his three squadmates just bought it and let it slide. Doom thought nothing of it, believing that it was merely his Klyntar side acting up again. Erik thought the same, believing that the American was just getting hungry. Creed however knew better. He didn't show it, but he smirked internally at the thought of how hilarious it was to see the all scary Venom being turned on by some Japanese chick with a Froggy side. He guessed that spending nine months in another country would make a man get interested in the native fruits. For now, he'll just keep that to himself and keep observing how his New York teammate will turn out.
"It matters not what she thinks of you, Brock. It shouldn't matter what any of them think of us. This is a school where the youths of this country are to be molded into the next generation of heroes. The other courses in this academy have their excuses, but to become a hero is a complicated business that requires an absolute equilibrium. We already know who we are. They don't.", proclaimed Doom.
"Wise words Doom, but it isn't safe to challenge the oblivious norms that the current humanity has believed in for so long. These people still believe in the fantasy that All-Might will last forever and keep the bad people at bay. This society is like a bomb that should've exploded long ago.", queried Erik.
"If these people can't keep their shit together, then they're a waste of time. Saving the people is one thing, but it's a whole other bullshit when they ask you to pick up after their shit. Pleasing everybody is just too much of a hassle. Green Bean, Frog girl, hell even firecracker. All of these students are just working too hard for an unforgiving audience.", said Creed.
"It doesn't have to be like that though. The four of us could show them how they could make their own differences in society. It would be unfair to just let them get sucked into all this celebrity bullshit.", said Eddie.
The four reincarnates noticed that they were reaching the class 1-A door. Doom took the lead and gripped the handle. He opened the door to see that the class was about to begin the 6th period class. All eyes were on them now. Some looked in excitement, while others were nervous. The foreigners walked in and took their seats.
"Sorry that we're late.", said the four simultaneously. The rest of the class sweat dropped at the nonchalance from their foreign classmates. However, some of them really wanted to talk to them about their amazing quirks and how they won their matches. Despite there being a lesson taught to them, the Japanese students except Iida were focused more on their experiences in the battle trial. For some, the ecstatic greetings for their green-haired students were inevitable.
Doom and Erik were the only ones among the four who paid attention in class. Eddie and Creed had their eyes on the board, but they were actually sleeping with eyes open. A little trick they adopted during their grueling training back on the Helicarrier. The class went by fast and ended when the teacher left the room. The students immediately split into groups for the typical socializing done among teenagers. Ochako volunteered to go bring the textbooks for everyone. Kaminari volunteered to go with her mainly to see if he could get to know her.
The four reincarnates remained in their desks, not wanting to speak with these excitable children. Truly, a dreadful reminder that they're adults trapped in the bodies of teenagers.
Doom was about to reach for his backpack to leave the room. Since this was the final period, there was no need to remain in this school any further. But of course, he was cursed to not have what he wanted.
"Hey Doom, your quirk is really strong. Man, I bet you had the fastest match time.", said Eijiro with a cheerful grin.
'Well of course, showing off is a waste of time and serves no purpose to the situation. Nor will I degrade myself to wanting to impress the teacher, no matter who they are.', thought the Latverian. He wished he could say these words, but knew that they may not be acceptable to such a lot like the happy go lucky redhead in front of him. And thus, he maintains his facade.
"Quite the exaggeration, but I do pride myself as a man who wins. Though, I do apologize to miss Yaoyorozu for not being an ideal teammate.", said Doom as he tries to not sound smug. A part of him wanted to smirk when he heard Momo huffed in indignation.
"Still badass though. All four of you SHIELD guys have some major power at your side. Even Bakugou, Todoroki, and Midoriya. The matches you guys had been in so intense. I really wonder how your quirks work. They're just so different from some of the quirks here.", said Eijiro.
The four foreigners shrugged as they thought their matches were merely good stress relievers. Todoroki remained quiet but gripped his left side tightly. Something that Eddie caught immediately. Bakugou however had his head down and shivered in place. Not long after, the explosive teen grabbed his backpack and left the room before anyone could stop him. The four reincarnates didn't care for him. Erik refocused the group back towards the discussion.
"We each have certain attributes that allow us to perform our fullest potential. Our SHIELD training made it so that our quirks progress faster than it normally would if we had remained civilians. The current power we're at is the result of such focus.", explained Erik.
"I mean yeah, but don't you guys get a break. It sounds like SHIELD made you way too serious. Not really a fun childhood for you guys.", said Mina.
The four boys resisted a twitch in one of their eyes. Their silence did send the message to the pink girl about the gravity of her statement. She blushed at her guilt and immediately waved her hands at the German frantically.
"W-wait, that came out wrong. I'm s-sorry, I didn't-", said Mina apologetically but was cut off by Erik raising his hand to her.
"It's fine, Miss Ashido. SHIELD picked up what was rubble and forged us into something stronger. We owed them these desired results and we willingly delivered. That's all there is to it.", said Erik assuring her.
Though she was grateful for no repercussions, the guilt still lingered in mina. It was so easy to forget that Europe was still in the Civil War considering that they were still at it. But it was a whole other thing when actually meeting somebody from there. The stoic Latverian and the cool collected German. These two have obviously been through a lot.
The class had their own opinions of the European civil wars. Some of them keep silent to avoid any tension with foreigners. Others actually would like to know what the situation was like. Such war had been at it since before any of them were born. Still, Mina Ashido wanted to at least prove to the German in front of her that she was alright with anybody, no matter the nationality.
"I mean it's just… I think you guys are intense, but you guys have this part of you that's pretty rad. I didn't see the fight that you and Creed-san had, but from what it felt it must have been hardcore.", exclaimed Mina with newfound excitement.
A part of Erik at that point was beginning to admire the pink girl's determination to stay positive. A character trait that was so easily diminished and ruined by the evils back in his original Earth. She made a clear point herself that youth is a time so heavily underappreciated. The time when Xavier and he were young adults were indeed the most fun years of his life. Traveling the world. Battling discriminating foes. To go through comradery in the harshest times. One fond memory that he had with Xavier was when they went for drinks in a South American bar. They were mostly expecting a quiet night of drinking, but after the third round of shots a pair of Brazilian beauties appeared behind them. Both of them were sisters and had wrapped an arm around the two mutants. Good ole Charles swoon his date with his well-mannered charms, while the master of magnetism had his own tricks to make his date melt.
Erik Lesher wondered if those old tricks still work.
"Whether it was intense or hardcore, not all of the damage I caused was my doing. And of course, I didn't want my teammate to get caught in the middle of a personal quarrel. After all, we can't have someone as eccentric and lively as you hurt on the first day. Wouldn't you agree?", said Erik with so much confidence and charm. To drive it home, he did an old trick of his as he asked at the end. He pulled back a handful of the bangs of his long silver hair and offered a small smile that made the pink girl's face a deeper shade of red.
"U-uh okay.", said a wistful Mina who was trying to regain her cool. She didn't know what hit her, but this hot German boy made her heat up with no effort. 'Was this something also taught to them by SHIELD?', thought Mina as she still struggled to hide the warmth of her face.
Erik Lesher however felt his ego getting the recharge it deserved. Guess he still got it.
Creed scoffed at the casanova tactic played by the German. Then again, he remembered one time that Erik had told them stories of when Charles and him were young adults. He calls bullshit that Professor X was a lady's man. Then again, there was that one alien royal from some galactic empire that had the hots for the bald mutant.
It was then that Creed smelled a familiar scent coming to the room. Opening the door, Izuku entered with a casted arm. The Canadian was about to call him over, but he was stopped when some of the students crowded around the green haired fanboy. They all said their names and greeted him excitedly. The Latverian grunted in annoyance at their loudness. The German and American were indifferent about it, accepting the fact that these students were going to be like this often.
Creed was already okay with it. His neighbor needed to make more friends than just his four bodyguards. For this to work, the four have to have a minimum distance between them and Midoriya. That didn't mean he won't give back up to the fanboy when needed.
When Ochako came back, Izuku asked her if she had seen where Bakugou had gone. She told him that he might have left for the day. Rushing out of the room, the fanboy didn't notice Doom had been watching him with scrutinizing eyes. Gritting his teeth, the Latverian got up and left the room to follow his objective. Some of the students noticed the Latverian leaving suddenly. They asked the other three foreigners why he had gone up and left to follow Midoriya. The three shrugged and answered with an "It's what he does". But on the inside, the three reincarnates knew that for a fact that everything Doom does, he does for a reason.
… Outside of the main Yuuei building …
Katsuki Bakugou has had enough of this terrible day. This was just the second day and already he had gotten his first loss. And to Deku of all people. What's worse was that the shit didn't stop there. Todoroki. Ponytail girl. And those damn foreigners. Hell, the American beat Todoroki. The Latverian completely overshadowed ponytail with that insane quirk. And then there was the Canadian and German. Those two went at each other way worse than Deku and him.
This day was too much. He just needed to leave. Get away from the overwhelming reality he found himself in. Just why? Why did he have to know now that there were people stronger than him?
"KACCHAN"
Katsuki froze there and slowly turned his head to see the source of his suffering. Standing not too far from him, Deku stood with a broken arm sling in a cast. The two stood there with both having a hard time expressing to the other. Or in Bakugou's case, lack of wanting to.
Midoriya himself struggled to know just what to say to his former friend slash bully. It was something he swore to never say to another person, just as All-Might and him agreed upon. He hasn't hasn't even told his mother of their secret. Swallowing a lump in his throat, he looks to the ground and opens himself up to the person he both admires and fears.
"I can't say much. But you should know this, at least.", said Izuku with resolution in his voice.
"I got my-", just before he could confess a portion of his secrets. An arm ringed around his neck and pulled him into a tight side embrace.
Izuku didn't have to turn his face to who it was. The burning glowing green pupils belonging to a pair of scowling eyes could be felt outwardly. It gave the young fanboy chills to his very core. Just how can one person have such terrifying anger and allow it to be so silent. Bakugou, however, renewed his scowl at the sight of another one of his reasons of suffering.
"Come now, Midoriya. You really shouldn't bother a person when they aren't in the mood to talk. Especially when you "mistakenly" allow yourself to be so open with important information.", said a stoic but calm Victor von Doom, who tightened his arm around Izuku.
Doom's eyes then shifted to Bakugou and he decided to send off the explosive blonde with some much needed advice.
"Hear me, Katsuki Bakugou. This is a hero highschool. An educational facility that creates the next line of heroes that will protect society and allow the older heroes to pass on to retirement. The last thing a place like this needs is a couple of children so bent up on past events in their childhood that their relationship has devolved into a disgusting form of a toxic friendship. This isn't some anime you watch on your Saturday nights, so try to not bother everyone with your pathetic rivalry.", said a demeaning Doom who refused to allow anyone to get in the way of the mission. Let alone some pestering explosive child.
The result was silence. Izuku was at a loss. He couldn't find the words to respond. Either it was his ignorance or the arm around his neck that was nearly choking him. He wanted to defend himself. Give reason to why Bakugou should know. But those eyes, the Latverian holding him back was just too intense to challenge.
For Bakugou, he has had enough. It was as if this whole day was trying to piss him off at that point. Losing. Weakness. Judged. And now, scolded. That's it.
"What the hell? Are you SHIELD bastards and Deku really teaming up now just to keep making a fool out of me? That's it, isn't it. Well go ahead, I deserve it. Everything that's happened, only showed me one thing. I lost. I lost to Deku. And if that wasn't enough, I could lose to any of you pricks. Icy bastards. You foreign jerks. Damn it, I even agreed with ponytail. My attacks in that fight were just so stupid. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Why?!", yelled and sniffed Bakugou who shook with emotion.
Izuku and Doom watched Katsuki express himself to the fullest. The former felt the rising determination from his former childhood friend, while the latter didn't care for any of it in the slightest.
"You two better be ready for the rest of the year. Because from here on out, I'm going to beat you all. Enjoy your win, Deku. It'll never happen again.", declared Bakugou as he turned away from the two to continue his walk off the school grounds.
Making sure the Katsuki boy was far enough, Doom released Izuku from grip and looked down at the coughing boy. Izuku was breathing raspingly and massaging his neck. He looks up to meet the Latverian's scowl.
"Let me ask you this, Izuku Midoriya. Why are you so obtuse? Did you forget that absolutely no one must know of "our" secret? What of this pathetic wretch makes him so worthy of your attention?", said Doom in a slight growl.
Izuku tried to find the words to defend himself, but before he could, All-Might suddenly rushed into the scene with great speed. The number one hero grasped the young Bakugou by his shoulder and gave him an inspiring speech to raise the teen's spirit. Unfortunately, young Bakugou told him to let go and that he'll be the next number one hero.
All-Might allowed the explosive teen to walk away and realized just how intense these new students were. Turning around, he's his successor being looked down on by one of the SHIELD youths. Young Doom didn't look too happy with poor Midoriya. Coughing into his hand, the pro-hero was able to get their attention.
"Now then, what appears to be the problem here?", said All-Might maintaining his cheerful stoic demeanor. At that moment, Izuku rose a bit higher, and Doom crossed his arms.
"It seems the inheritor of certain power isn't committed to the concept of secrecy. He was so eager to reveal a certain aspect to a fellow peer that proves to be quite dire to how he obtained such an ability. As his monitor, it's your responsibility to discipline him. Less he reveals himself more of a liability than a dependable hero", proclaimed Doom with hate in his voice.
All-Might sweatdropped at the seriousness of the Latverian, while Izuku flinched at the scolding from his bodyguard. The number one hero was quick to forgive but reminded his appearance of the severity of the quirk. Izuku continued to express guilt. Doom grunted in dissatisfaction, believing that the display of discipline in front of him was insufficient to send the message straight to the fanboy. Leaving the two in discussion about Bakugou, the Latverian reunited with his squad to discuss further needed surveillance on their objective. He too felt tired on this day.
… Meanwhile at Kurai Junior High …
The school day has ended for all districts in each prefecture. By this time, both Kurai Junior High and Somei Private Middle School have let their students be dismissed. Some students stayed behind to enjoy the company of their clubs. The Kurai Hawks have grouped up by the back of the school with each member packing a different item for their big bashing on Lulu. One had a camera to take pictures for the boss's enjoyment. One brought scissors to cut up the clothes of their target. One brought a fire extinguisher to plow foam onto the poor girl. And the rest, they brought a long list of things that their boss wanted to be used on Lulu.
The boss of the Kurai Hawks was the tallest middle schooler there. His name is Juoi and he had a bone to pick with the girl that rejected him. Once he and his gang are through with whatever they like to do with disobedient little skanks, they'll savor the pictures they take and sell them to some other pervert. This was going to be good. Probably if they have the time, they could show the pictures off to that feather headed nerd just to see if it will make him cry.
They all laughed at the memories they had with the times they bullied the weaker Somei students. They were about to move out and get started on hunting down that Lulu girl, but they then heard someone walking behind them. The bullies of Kurai looked behind them to a scowling foreigner in the Somei uniform. Some scoffed and spat at the sight of him.
"And who the hell are you? Some exchange student in Somei? ", asked a mocking Juoi.
The scowling foreigner looked to be the height and age for a second year. He said nothing and cracked his knuckles. The way he carried himself pissed off Juoi to no end and made the older teen march at him.
"You think your hot shit, huh gaijin? Nobody messes with the Hawks.", declared Juoi as he got closer to the foreigner.
'Well, better use it now or never.', thought the foreigner.
"Just who the fuck are you?", asked Juoi again as he grabbed his agitator by his collar. Unfortunately for him, the gaijin gripped his wrist so hard it sprang and then proceeded to knee his nuts. Followed with a hard punch to the gut. A backhand to the face. A hard stomp to the foot. Finally, several solid punches to the face with the last punch knocking him to the ground.
The gaijin let out a breath as some of the Hawks took a step back. He scowled at them all once again and let his bone claws out.
"The Wolverine"
… Meanwhile on the other side of Kurai …
"Okay, see you tomorrow Lulu.", waved a Kurai girl as she walked away to her ride.
"Okay, see ya.", waved back Lulu as she remained on the bench. She sat there and struggled to decide whether or not to call her mom to pick her up. Or to just walk back home herself. She really didn't want to do the latter. Since the beginning of the day, a lot of the Kurai students had told rumors of the Hawks planning on making a hit on a girl student.
Lulu knew it was probably going to be her. After all, she rejected the advances of their leader Juoi, and since then there had been threat messages all over her locker and desk. A part of her had accepted her fate and remembered how it usually goes on in this school. The upper classmates were so inclusive to themselves, because of their rivalry with Somei. The teachers keep stressing the students out. And finally, and obviously, this place had a bullying problem.
There are some good things though. Lulu had made friends with most of the girls in her year. She receives really helpful tutoring from the librarian. And she is the current highest grade among her peers. Although she would like to one day return to Somei and be with her very first friend, she knows she could never go back since she had already made a stand in Kurai. And especially, if that Silver Clan is still there. She sighed at the reality of it. The second son of Iida family graduated and thus the family of the Silver Samurai took the role of most influential lineage.
Lulu just wishes that she could see Yokuto again.
"Lulu", said a voice all too familiar to said girl. She turned her head to see a boy with feathery hair.
"Yokuto", said Lulu in surprise.
The two long lost friends stared at one another for several seconds. Yokuto was about to speak, but Lulu ran up to suddenly hug him. She looked up to him with a worried expression.
"What happened to your eye?! Why is it all purple?! And your arms. They're covered in bruises. Did the Hawks do this to you?", asked Lulu frantically.
Yokuto just watched as the girl he cared so much about was now in distress for his own condition. Even though it should be the other way around. This guilt for not being with her when she was in trouble with the Silver Clan had been eating at him ever since the transfer. He doesn't care about the hierarchy of Somei anymore. He just wants Lulu back.
"Lulu, I'm sorry.", said Yokuto with so much sadness.
"Why are you apologizing? You're the one that's hurt. These damn bullies always go for you. They do this to you, because of me.", said Lulu with tears threatening to pour out.
"I suffered all of last year and summer if it meant you'd be safe. I hope nothing has happened to you yet.", said Yokuto as he straightened himself.
Lulu shook her head to confirm him. Yokuto sighed in relief that all the hell endured wasn't for nothing. The rosy eyed girl would then tell of her whole first year in Kurai. She then explained the times when she had made friends and the times when she avoided trouble. The moment they could have shared had they not been separated by cruel circumstances.
"We'll find a way to get you back to Somei. We could be close again. I don't care what it takes. I miss you so much Lulu", said Yokuto passionately.
"Me too, Yokuto. But we both know why I can't return. The Silver Clan had used their influence to persuade the principal to transfer me to Kurai with no way to come back. Even if I could transfer to other schools, that we'll just take too long and hurt my grade. And even if that wasn't the case, I could never come back to that place. Not with the Silver Clan still attending there. I'm so sorry.", said a sad Lulu.
Yokuto had started to become depressed and realized that there was no hope to have Lulu back. Just as he was about to accept his shallow reality, the rosey girl grabbed his hands and brought them up. She looked deep into his saddened eyes with her determined ones.
"There are other reasons too. I've made friends here that need my support. They have dreams and so do I. So let's make a promise. After we graduate middle school, let's reunite and get accepted into Yuuei.", declared Lulu with eagerness.
Yokuto was stunned by such a declaration. To reunite in Yuuei, the top hero school of the country. Is she really trying to be a hero in training? Is he even capable of going such a path? He struggled to find a reasoning for how he could. But looking deep into Lulu's eyes, her fires of determination. All reasoning went out the window and he made the biggest decision of his life.
"Okay, let's do this. I promise that I will see you again in Yuuei Academy. Let's be heroes together, Lulu.", promised Yokuto with a newfound purpose.
A smile sprouted on Lulu's face and she embraced the feather haired boy in a tight hug. He hugged back with a renewed spirit to achieving his own dreams. He didn't know what it was, but he did know that Lulu was in it. They stayed in their embrace until a car horn had honked from across the street.
Lulu noticed that it was her mother's car. She guessed she didn't have to call her after all. She gave Yokuto one last tight hug and ran to her mother. The feather haired teen waved goodbye as he saw his one true motivation is driven back home safely. He felt accomplished and proud. For once, something went his way. But now, a new concern came to his head. How was he to prepare himself for the coming years if he was ever going to be accepted to Yuuei? That's when he remembered someone.
"Logan-san", said Yokuto as he rushed to the otherside of the Kurai building. He struggled for breath and lacked the stamina to run around a perimeter that was larger than a gas station. He wheezed with each exhale. He damn himself for not being athletic. How was he supposed to get accepted into Yuuei if he was as pathetic as a larva?
With wobbly legs, Yokuto had finally reached the back section of Kurai and what he saw stunned him to no end. On the ground, several Kurai Hawks were beaten and silently crying for someone to give them mercy. One was crawling toward the feather haired teen. The beaten student's Kurai uniform is covered in dirt and claw marks. The sleeves and lower pants had scratch marks trailing small blood stains.
"Please help. He's an animal. It's like nothing tires him.", said the Kurai senior just before he passed out.
Yokuto looked up from the knocked-out student to see Logan holding up Juoi up Juoi by his collar. His left hand with its sharp pointy bone claws dangerously inching close to the bully's face. A scent then reached the Canadian's nose and later to the nose of the feather haired teen, the foul odor alerted both of them that the leader of the Kurai Hawks had just pissed himself. The claw sheathing victor growled an ultimatum in Japanese to the urinated loser.
"I'm going to say this once and only once. If I ever find out that you and your gang try anything to the girl, I will hunt you all down and make sure these claws are put in you. Got that?", growled a snarling Logan.
Poor Juoi who was now a fountain of piss merely nodded in obedience and fear. Unfortunately, Logan wasn't done.
"One more thing, but I'm going to say it in english. Mainly because I want to get through with this and go home. Somei is now my turf. I see you and these bitches anywhere near there. then you better know how to swim, because the only way you're ever going to get away from me is to leave the country and take your chances with the ocean. Are we clear, bub?", declared Logan who was sounding even more mad.
The piss drenched bully just kept nodding in hopes to be released. Logan finally let go and Juoi fled in such a traumatizing state, not caring that his fellow bullies were still on the ground. Yokuto just couldn't believe that a new student from his school could do so much damage to his tormentors. The last time he checked Canada was supposed to be a friendly place. Truly, the foreigner in front of him was astonishing.
"Logan-san, are you alright?", asked the nervous Yokuto.
"Never better, feathers. It feels good, you know. Fighting guys who deserve it. I even snagged one of these off them.", said a smiling Logan as he held up a cigar.
"You know smoking is bad for your health, right?", asked Yokuto, looking disapproving at the object in the Canadian's hand.
"I say it's a win. I help you save your girl and beat up a few guys, I get a little something for the trouble.", said Logan as he cut the end of the cigar and lit it with a match.
Yokuto wondered why his foreign classmate had a book of matches on his person. Little did he know that a book of matches is what Logan gets for his birthday every year from Victor Creed back in Canada. That tradition was broken when they arrived in Japan a few months ago. October 29th is the day the reincarnated Wolverine was brought into this quirk-filled Earth. On that day in Japan, the older Canadian decided it would be best to give his younger adopted brother some clothes instead.
After taking a long inhale from the cigar, the exhale of smoke brought out many complex feelings within Logan. Sadness was the most noticeable one. Looking back at the Cigar, he took one more huff and threw it away. Yokuto noticed that the Canadian wasn't speaking much now, a very sudden change to what he was a few seconds ago. The two walked together in silence for a while. They remained like that all the way to the train station where they will depart from one another. But before the train could arrive, Yokuto decided to share with Logan his dream.
"Logan-san, what do you plan to do after Somei?", asked an anxious Yokuto.
Logan looked at him weirdly and figured that he should just answer honestly.
"Go to Yuuei and be a hero, why you ask?", he responded and noticed the surprise in Yokuto's eyes.
"Very well then, can I ask you something else?", asked the feather haired teen with slight excitement. The Canadian nodded for him to continue.
"Thanks to you, Lulu will be safe now. As you had dealt with the Kurai hawks, I managed to find her and tried to convince her to come back to Somei. Unfortunately, she told me that she already has a place in Kurai. But before she departed for home, we promised each other that we would meet again in Yuuei. So I beg of you, please train me to be as athletic and confident as you.", pleaded a bowing Yokuto.
Logan didn't know what to say. Mainly because the sight of a person he barely knew bowing to him was just too cringey. That's when he noticed something in Yokuto's left hand. It was the pair of broken glasses that he had been wearing since the day he was saved from the beating he took in that alley. It seems he didn't have time to buy a new pair. The young Canadian scratched his head and groaned at the fact that he was going to be stuck with somebody who was a bit on the weak side. Nevertheless, it would be good to have an acquaintance in that damn school.
"First off, Feathers, I'm gonna need you to stop bowing. It's embarrassing. Second, if I do this for you, then you need to follow me at the same pace. No slowing down, got that bub.", declared Logan with a strict voice.
Yokuto rose up with determination in his eyes. Logan was slightly impressed by the scrawny teen's sudden bravery. He guessed this Lulu girl is really that important to the guy.
"Yes, I will follow you to Yuuei academy and there I will be reunited with Lulu. For her, I will never be the weak Yokuto I've always been.", said Yokuto determined.
"Now don't get all preachy, I'm just starting to tolerate you. We'll figure out your training regimen later. Right now, my train is here. So, see ya tomorrow Feathers.", said Logan as he boarded his train. The door closed between them and the last thing the young Canadian saw before departing from the station was a small smile on Yokuto's face. Come to think of it, that's the first he saw a smile on Feathers since he first met him.
The train ride back to his apartment was as mellow as usual. Thankfully, there weren't as many people in the train car as there usually would. With the breathing space, Logan could have time to think. It looks like he's stuck with Yokuto for the rest of Middle school and possibly Yuuei too. Maybe if the feather haired teen is lucky, he might get recruited by SHIELD and becomes the Canadian's first squadmate. He scoffed at the thought of it. Still, he's already done much for Feathers. Maybe training him could help the last Howlett to expand his approach with others, or maybe give a lot of headaches in the future. Somei was going to become more interesting now.
… Meanwhile at the apartment of the Midoriyas and the two Canadians …
"No. For the last time, we're not going to put drones on Green Bean. he doesn't need to be put on a monitor like some inmate.", argued Creed.
Before the young Howlett could arrive, Victor Creed was already in the apartment and currently having a debate with his squadmates. Victor von Doom had revealed to them that Izuku had nearly revealed a key function of One for All. Erik Lesher was already dissatisfied with being acquainted with the green haired teen, so this had greatly made him dislike the young Midoriya even more. Eddie was just way too tired and really wanted to go to bed. After hours of arguing about what to do with Midoriya, the German and the American went to bed. The Latverian and the Canadian were left in the virtual chat to beckering for the night.
"Midoriya is so weak-minded and insecure that he would blatantly give away important information to anyone. Whether he was going to be vague or not doesn't excuse such an action. Thankfully, Katsuki Bakugou was so simple minded to believe that my interference in that moment was merely a display of discouragement.", explained Doom with a tired, but aggravated tone.
"Firecracker ain't our problem. I could just kick his ass and deal with the legal shit later. Izuku just needs some support and he'll be fine.", said Creed in a matching tone.
"It isn't that simple, Creed. Honestly, I wonder why Director Carter has me in the same team as you.", said Doom, more aggravatedly.
"Whatever. Look if it will calm your ass, then I'll talk to him about it tomorrow. Alright, goodnight.", said Creed dissmidly as he shut off his SHIELD communicator.
Creed then pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned in annoyance at the Latverian's constant paranoia. Though, his squad leader wasn't wrong. What Izuku was about to tell that explosive punk was just way too highball to reveal. The whole point of being bodyguards to this idiot was to keep One for All a secret. No hints or leaks. Seriously, not telling his mother and just telling his bully. There was a part of Creed that wanted to punch the young Midoriya in the gut, but he rescinded those thoughts.
The apartment door opened, and Logan's scent was picked up.
"Arguing with your team again.", said the younger Canadian.
"Nothing too damn serious. Fucking Doom just needs to back off and stop being tense. Like you think the guy could just calm his shit down, so that the rest of us can get a break. Fuck me, he's a bitch.", said a tired Creed.
"I bet. How's your day anyway?", asked Logan as he got two sodas.
"Learn some boring stuff. Learn some shit I already knew. And at the end, I got to fight Erik. Just wish I didn't lose though. How about you?", responded Creed as he opened his can.
After a sip of his drink, Logan recapped all he did after school. They shared laughs at some of the things the young Howlett did to the Kurai Hawks. Creed laughed even harder when he heard his little brother was stuck with a scrawny weakling for the rest of Middle school and in Yuuei. Something he definitely sympathizes with.
… Meanwhile in Doom's apartment …
Victor von Doom rubbed his eyes in dreariness and annoyance. He really needed sleep and possibly painkillers for his headaches. Rising both his hands up, he brought up a wall of numerous holographic screens. Each one showing things to do in the coming year. Things Doom could easily accomplish in days if he had the tech pre-made. Bringing each one closer to him, he checks them to see which one is nearly done. The first screen showed some missing doctor's theories on Quirk Singularity. The Latverian swiped left for later. Second screen, new models for the next generation of helicarriers. Swiped left. Third screen, an unfinished list of contingency plans for when allies become enemies. Swiped left. Fourth screen, designs for a full auto-functional network of drones that monitor every prefecture in Japan. Swiped left. Finishing touches to his mark one armor. He smiled and then swiped right.
The screen then expanded into a whole holographic display of various mechanisms that fit with armor which was displayed in the center of the room. The mark one of Doom's designs appeared to fit the Latverian's body proportions. Unlike its Stark-made predecessor, this model uses a different color scheme, different integrated tech, and a different advanced software. The young Latverian can understand the irony of the name. Calling it the mark one when it was specifically designed to take after the mark twelve. Truely, an unappreciated model by Doom's opinion. The first of many that could easily be more advanced with the neural connection between suit and wearer. With this Earth's current tech, replectating and perfecting the mark twelve was best he could do. Nevertheless, it will be the masterfully made mark one for Doom.
No longer gold and red, Doom's mark one will be polished in jet black and pale silver. Unlike its source material, the armor will be integrated with the Latverian's latest line of switchblade technology so that it may have room for both wearer and weapons. Also, thanks to the switchblade tech, the armor and any after it will not need any reinforced titanium as its shelling. Instead, this armor and future ones will be crafted in a special lightweight adamantium material by Doom's own forging. Light as a bicycle and strong enough to take on a force equaliving to three nuclear missiles combined. Its flight systems will ensure that the armor flies fast, silent, and completely undetected by man-made sensors. The only way he could be spotted or heard is by a quirk.
"Boris, how are the weapons systems going? Are they nearly complete?", asked Doom to his A.I. servant, Boris.
"Yes, Master Doom. all the necessary weapon systems have been successfully constructed and await their integration with the mark one's switchblade interface. The three you asked for specifically are currently being downloaded as we speak.", confirmed Boris.
"And what of the latest installments to my quirk enhancing modulators and open filters? Are they completed as well?", asked Doom as looks through each of the weapon's systems.
"Yes, they have, Master Doom. they've already been integrated within the mark one. Would you like the three weapons you've chosen to be in also?", responded Boris.
Viewing the three weapon modules to assist him when the armor becomes combat ready for mission, Doom could see the potential of combining them with the quirk enhancing modules for extra firepower. The modules of choice for the Mark one's weapon systems are the ultra-incendiary flamethrowers, multi-universal missiles dispensers, and repulsor beams. Of course, there was his special and secret module system that he dubbed the anti-Magneto magnetic shieldings. But what his German comrade doesn't know won't hurt him.
"Integrate them later, Boris. For now, I wish to give the mark one a test flight. It has been too long since I felt the clouds.", said Doom as he curis the cold metal with his hands.
"Are you sure that's advised, Master Doom. understandably, the onboard defenses and flight systems will keep you shielded from sensors. However, it's still not fully complete for deploitation.", said Boris in concern.
The artificial intelligence was answered by a vertical hatch opening to reveal a wide tunnel leading through a Japanese hilltop. Victor von Doom then placed on his neural receiver and the mark one opened to show its internal systems. Each compartment then latched on to the teenage doctor and closed itself with an exhale of steam. Finally, Doom's head was all that wasn't covered by metal. With his pupils glowing green and a smile on his face, the helmet engulfed his head and its eyes then glow.
"This might be something Stark said, but sometimes Boris you need to run before you walk.", said an accomplished Doom as the thrusters ignited and shot him upward to the sky.
If any pro-hero was operating that night, then they could have seen what could be described as a green shooting star.